Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a composition and thermoformable sheets and articles made therefrom. In the present invention, ranges of chain-transfer agents, thixotropic agents, and mineral filler content are balanced to minimize migration or maldistribution of coloring matter and mineral filler during curing of methyl methacrylate in a syrup and also during subsequent heating and deformation in thermoforming, to achieve constancy of impact resistance and improve stability of patterns even in deformed portions of formed sheets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of thermoforming a sheet material around an insert to make a thermoformed article. The sheet material may include poly(methyl) methacrylate and other thermoplastic sheet material. The inserts become an integrated part of the thermoformed product, and are characterized by having at least one removable portion or plug. The plug(s) are removed during the thermoforming process, and allow the thermoformed sheet material to shrink without creating undesirable levels of stress in the sheet material. This prevents cracking or other failure of the sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the production of isophorone having improved color and color stability. Crude isophorone is selectively hydrogenated to remove color forming impurities. The product isophorone will have an APHA color of about 10 or less.

Abstract: A method of making a polypropylene product for use in making biaxially oriented films. The method includes the addition of an improved nucleating system that allows for even distribution of a nucleating agent in the polymer material. The improved nucleating system comprises a nucleating agent and a liquid miscible with the nucleating agent. The solution is combined with the polypropylene material, and the miscible liquid is removed during processing. The resulting films possess superior processing and material characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a polyurethane-polyester hybrid resin system wherein the components of the system have improved shelf life stability. The resin system comprises an A-Side comprising a multifunctional isocyanate and a free radical initiator. The hybrid resin system also comprises a B-Side comprising a hydroxyl-terminated unsaturated polyester polyol, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, a polyurethane catalyst, a polymerization inhibitor, and optionally a peroxide promoter, chain extender and filler. The B-Side polymerization inhibitor of the present invention comprises substituted hindered phenol-type compounds with ring substituents producing activated benzylic hydrogens, nitrophenols with or without benzylic-type substituents, naphthoquinones, stabilized radical compounds, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is one-step method for synthesizing a synthetic anion intercalated hydrotalcite material. The method comprises reacting an aluminum source with a magnesium source in the presence of an inorganic acid of the anion to be intercalated, and in the absence of a Group IA metal source. The resulting slurry can be dried to form the final product.

Abstract: A low organic emission composition comprising a di-alkoxylated bisphenol-A dimaleate urethane dimethacrylate hybrid resin, an alkoxylated bisphenol-A diacrylate or dimethacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and other vinyl monomers. The composition is useful in such applications as a substitute for prior art resins, such as polyester/vinyl ester based resins, typically used in fiberglass reinforced plastic applications.

Abstract: Trimethylolpropane of high purity is efficiently made by mixing the aldol reaction product of formaldehyde and n-butyraldehyde with at least about 20 wt % of a lower alcohol prior to hydrogenation. The alcohol addition also promotes hydrogenolysis of by-product esters at pressures below 3000 psig and allows recovery of high purity product by simple distillation.

Abstract: Ranges of chain-transfer agents, thixotropic agents, and alumina trihydrate content are balanced to minimize migration or maldistribution of coloring matter and alumina trihydrate during curing of methyl methacrylate in a syrup including polymethylmethacrylate and also during subsequent heating and deformation in thermoforming, to achieve constancy of impact resistance and improve stability of patterns even in deformed portions of formed sheets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one alkoxylated bisphenol-A diacrylate or dimethacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and at least one vinyl monomer. The composition is suitable for use in the fiberglass reinforced plastic art. The composition possesses similar or superior physical properties compared to unsaturated polyester based specialty resins, including emitting lower levels of organic volatiles than typical resins used in the art.

Abstract: A composition suitable for making thermoformable sheets and the like. The composition comprises a crosslinked poly (methyl methacrylate) typically having uncrosslinked poly (methyl methacrylate) dispersed therein. The composition a comprises 0.5 to about 1.0 pph of at least one crosslinking agent x, and up to about 0.58x-0.28 pph of a at least one chain terminator. The composition also comprises about 0.1 to 8 pph poly (methyl methacrylate) compatible plasticizer, and has about 20 to 60 wt % solid particle dispersed therein.

Abstract: A laminating resin is made from (1) an unsaturated polyester resin comprising maleic acid, phthalic acid, and glycol(s), (2) a diacrylate or dimethacrylate of alkoxylated bisphenol-A, and (3) ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. The resin requires no styrene to achieve excellent laminating resin properties, and is significantly inhibited from emitting volatiles during use.

Abstract: Ranges of chain-transfer agents, thixotropic agents, and alumina trihydrate content are balanced to minimize migration or maldistribution of coloring matter and alumina trihydrate during curing of methyl methacrylate in a syrup including polymethylmethacrylate and also during subsequent heating and deformation in thermoforming, to achieve constancy of impact resistance and improve stability of patterns even in deformed portions of formed sheets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method of making the dimethacrylate ester of alkoxylated bisphenol-A via transesterification with methyl methacrylate. This transesterification reaction proceeds at low temperatures and is driven by the removal of methanol as a methanol/saturated hydrocarbon azeotrope. The lower temperature reaction advantageously inhibits polyerization of the feed ester. The reaction is catalyzed by potassium based catalysts.

Abstract: A laminating resin is made from (1) an unsaturated polyester resin, (2) a diacrylate or dimethacrylate of alkoxylated bisphenol-A, and (3) vinyl toluene. The resin requires no styrene to achieve excellent laminating resin properties, and is significantly inhibited from emitting volatiles during use.

Abstract: A laminating resin is made from (1) an unsaturated polyester resin, (2) a diacrylate or dimethacrylate of alkoxylated bisphenol-A, and (3) styrene, divinyl benzene or a combination thereof. The resin achieves excellent laminating resin properties, and is significantly inhibited from emitting volatiles during use.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1,4-dione (ketoisophorone) from 3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexenone (alpha-isophorone). The alpha-isophorone is reacted with hydroperoxide in a solvent, and in the presence of a metal catalyst. The reaction converts the alpha-isophorone directly to ketoisophorone without the intermediate isomerization of alpha-isophorone to beta-isophorone (3,5,5-trimethyl-3-cyclohexenone).

Abstract: A method of laminating a solid formed body utilizing a laminating resin characterized by low volatile emissions is made from (1) an unsaturated polyester resin comprising maleic acid, phthalic acid, glycol(s), and dicyclopentadiene, (2) a diacrylate or dimethacrylate of alkoxylated bisphenol-A, and (3) a compound selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, vinyl toluene, styrene, and divinyl benzene.

Abstract: Neopentyl glycol is made from isobutyraldehyde and formaldehyde. The formaldehyde may be in the form of paraformaldehyde or aqueous formaldehyde. The aldol reaction product is mixed with a lower alcohol prior to hydrogenation to promote hydrogenolysis and allow recovery of high purity product by simple distillation. In a less preferred mode, the alcohol may be added after hydrogenation, resulting in a smaller improvement over previous processes.

Abstract: A monomer-rich acrylic syrup is cast including about 10% to about 20% ground acrylic particles. During curing, the particles absorb over half their weight in monomer, and a cured sheet is formed in which the matrix monomer and uncrosslinked polymer form a phase which extends through the particles, while the particles appear to be fused together. Including a crosslinker in the syrup further insures the interpenetration of the matrix phase into the swollen particles. A textured surface is formed, which is useful as an anti-slip surface in bathtubs and shower stalls, after thermoforming.